What Readers Are Saying About the AT&T CEO's Memo

The Memo and the Reactions

AT&T CEO John Stankey recently sent a memo to managers, encouraging employees to adapt to cultural changes within the company. This message sparked a wide range of reactions from both AT&T workers and Business Insider readers. Over 300 readers participated in a survey about the effectiveness of the memo, revealing mixed opinions.

According to the survey results, more than 120 respondents believed the memo was an effective communication tool, while over 210 disagreed. The memo, which was first reported by Business Insider, addressed the decline in employee engagement as noted in a 2023 survey. Stankey acknowledged that the company is on a multi-year journey to build the organization it envisions rather than just optimizing the current structure. He emphasized that employee feedback reflects the current state of the company.

Stankey urged employees to accept the necessary changes to remain competitive in the market. However, AT&T did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, stating that the memo "speaks for itself."

Diverse Perspectives on the Memo

Joe Kolinger, a former management consultant who worked at AT&T for 21 years, criticized the memo, calling it "the same kind of blather" with different language. He noted that similar messages have been heard from corporate leaders before, often aimed at pleasing investors. Kolinger expressed a "healthy degree of cynicism" about AT&T's ability to improve and survive given its size and complex processes.

He recalled hearing similar themes during his time at AT&T from the late '70s through the '90s, such as focusing on customers, delivering results, and being "lean and mean." Kolinger believes that changing such a large organization is akin to "fighting the laws of physics."

Dennis Skorewicz, a retired accountant, found the memo refreshingly direct and clear. He appreciated that Stankey avoided the typical soft-soaping of messages that often comes from senior management. Skorewicz felt that Stankey left no ambiguity about the cultural changes ahead.

However, not everyone was pleased with the approach. Kevin Cowger, a retiree from the insurance industry, was put off by the tone of the memo and Stankey’s insistence on a five-day return-to-office mandate. Cowger, who spent 40 years in claims at Farmers Insurance, questioned whether the message would backfire if the job market improved. He noted that many workers might have little choice but to "stick it out" in the current economy.

Mixed Reactions and Lessons Learned

Saeed Manii, who worked for 35 years at AT&T and retired in 2022, admired Stankey but felt the CEO needed a better way to understand what was happening further down the company's hierarchy. Manii described Stankey as frustrated in the memo, noting that he came across more as a "warning than warm," which could be problematic.

JD Wire, a retiree in Riverside, California, supported the need for clear expectations from leadership. He argued that any hesitation from bosses could lead to employees pushing boundaries. Wire, who spent much of his career in tech, emphasized the importance of firm direction.

Kolinger acknowledged the difficulty of implementing the changes Stankey seeks, suggesting it would require selecting the right people and fostering constructive communication. He compared the task to "draining the ocean with a teacup." Despite his criticisms, Kolinger remains hopeful for AT&T's future, stating that his message is not solely negative.

The memo has generated a variety of responses, highlighting the challenges of leading a large organization through cultural transformation. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact AT&T's future.